What is the Virgo Tarot Card?

Main image courtesy of The Daily Tarot Draw.

If you’re a Virgo sun sign, chances are you’re born between August 23 to September 22, between the end of summer and the Fall Equinox. Virgo’s ruling planet is Mercury, and they are associated with the Earth element. This means not only are Virgos  great conversationalists, they’re down to earth and very aware of the world around them. While Virgos sometimes get a bad rap for being picky or overly organized, this is just one potential trait that can serve them well in their love, professional, and financial lives. But what is the Virgo tarot card and how does it relate to the astrological sign of these interesting and discerning folks? We’re discussing that and more in this article, including:

• What the Virgo tarot card is
• The symbolism in the Hermit
• Other tarot cards that have Virgo energy

Virgo and the Hermit tarot card

Which tarot card is associated with the Virgo astrological sign?

The Virgo astrological sign is typically represented as the virgin aspect of the triple goddess or a grain goddess, who understands that you will always reap what you sow—both literally and figuratively. When you put the effort into reaching your goals and you put in the work required to get them done, you’ll be able to enjoy the success of achieving them. Virgos have a great inner drive that keeps them hyper focused on something, whether that’s getting the job they want, finishing a project, or attracting a partner.

Because Virgo is ruled by Mercury, they’re great communicators who don’t have a problem expressing what they desire, or asking for help when they need it. The groundedness of this Earth sign also means that Virgos are very aware of how form and structure can give order to parts of their lives. While this is a good thing to a certain extent, some Virgos can rely too heavily on structures, and can become unyielding and rigid as they feel they need to stick to the course that they’ve done in the past—which may not always be the best way forward. Too much of this Earth energy can cause them to act stubborn or feel stagnant in their lives, as they may need a push to get out of their structured comfort zone.

At their best, Virgos are able to rise above the noise and chaos that surrounds them in order to achieve their goals. Focusing on their mission becomes very important to them, and as long as it’s not entirely consuming all their time and energy, isn’t a bad thing! This is how Virgos relate to the Hermit card of the tarot, the 9th card in the major arcana. 

Although decks can vary, you’ll typically see this card with a wizened older man in robes and a beard. Usually he is holding a staff and a light, and he appears to be on a mountain or a summit of some kind. The Hermit is leaving all the unnecessary and distracting parts of his life behind (or at least tuning them out) in pursuit of what is important to him. This is a very introspective and solitary card, as the Hermit isn’t necessarily looking for something, but he’s looking for the path forward that resonates with him. He is ready to go deep within himself to reflect on what really matters to him, what his goals are, and how he’d like to achieve them.

The Hermit uses his lantern to light his way forward, but it isn’t the light that’s leading the way, it’s the choices he’s made and the knowledge that comes from them that illuminate the right path.

The symbolism in the Hermit

There are important symbols in the Hermit that relate to Virgo qualities

Now that we have a better grasp of how the Hermit tarot card relates to the Virgo sign, it’s time to delve a little deeper into the meaning behind this very powerfully symbolic card. 

• The Hermit. Although it seems their total opposites in appearance when you compare the older man in robes to the young grain goddess that’s typically associated with Virgo, they do have similar traits. The Hermit is at peace in his solitude, because he knows that by stepping away and spending time on his own is the only way to know what the true path forward for him is. This pausing to meditate on what his goals are shows that he doesn’t need to look outside himself for guidance—in fact our own inner teacher will always show us how to move on.

Virgos too often pride themselves on being very self-reliant, and apt problem solvers. This also includes internal problems that they have to fix themselves. Lots of Virgos have no problem taking the time to examine all aspects of a situation, and are more than willing to spend time in their own company to do so.

• The staff. The staff the Hermit holds is another important symbol in this card, and it is very reminiscent of the Wand suit of the minor arcana. The wands represent fire in the tarot, and here we see the Hermit using it to help him navigate forward. His desire to reach his goals means he will use all the tools necessary, knowing that they can help lead him in the right direction. The staff also symbolizes the wisdom he’s already learned, and can lean on in times where he’s unsure of the way forward. Virgos are very keen to rely on their past experiences to teach them and to help them succeed.

• The lantern. The lantern is lit by a star, which is designed as the Seal of Solomon in the RWS tarot deck, and is also interpreted as the balance of opposites, aka as above so below. This special light is meant to symbolize how we find our way forward in the world, by using our inner wisdom that will never lead us in the wrong direction. We just have to make sure we listen and are prepared to do the work to get there.

• The mountain. The Hermit walks his path alone, often along treacherous terrain. This is true of all our lives, as we navigate the ups and downs and challenges we have to face along the way. No one said it was going to be easy to follow the wisdom of your heart towards your future, but it is the most authentic way we can live. When you’re ready to say goodbye to the endless noise around you and are unafraid to go out alone, then you can expect to reach your goals and truly enjoy the journey there.

Other Virgo aligned tarot cards

There are other Virgo-related cards you can work with!

Although we typically associate the virgin aspect of the triple goddess with Virgo, she can also manifest as the mother aspect, as is apparent in the Empress card. This is the matriarch who holds the family or group of friends together, which a lot of Virgos can identify with. Virgos are typically reliable and steady people, who ensure everyone is okay and has what they need. We see this in the bounty that is present in the Empress card. Creation is also a part of the Empress card that resonates with Virgos, who have no problem dreaming big and then going after what they want.

The Ace of Pentacles also relates to Virgos and the Hermit because it is showing us that the path forward can only come from within. We are presented with gifts all around us, and it’s up to us to make the decision to use them to our benefit. This card is about potential and growth, and all the good things that can come our way. Methodical Virgos know all about the kind of work that goes into achieving your dreams, whether it’s in the financial realm, employment, or health related (the pentacles’ sphere of influence).

How will you use the Hermit to shine a light on the Virgo tarot card?

Working with the Hermit is a great way to start to do some inner work, and take time away to see what’s really working for you in your life, and what isn’t. Use the light that this major arcana card offers to find your path and you calling, and trust that your own intuition will lead you in the right direction. Virgos are always looking for a better way forward, so use the message from the Hermit to discover that within you.

‍